Monday, November 25, 2013

Our choir is singing Handel Messiah for Christmas this year. Note: I am not that great of a singer, but I enjoy being in the choir. This production is not the WHOLE choir, just those that volunteer. So I volunteered...not realizing how HARD these pieces are. All I could think of was the Hallelujah Chorus, I figured this would be a great opportunity of learn how to sing it correctly. Oooooh weee! There are a couple of other chorus' we will be doing. Thank God for YouTube.

Anyway, we are black formal dresses with a single strand of pearls. Cool, easy...I have both. Well I tried on the dress I already have last week. I was just going to make a bolero jacket to wear with it...but after trying it on, I realized...I need to make another dress. The one I have is not quite church appropriate, just a little tooooo low cut in the front. Sure, if I was a "B" cup I could get away with it, BUT...NOT!

So, it's on to plan "B". While I was looking for patterns for the jacket I saw this dress. I plan on altering the pattern so the the back is not as low and I will not be sewing the drape onto it.

Perfect....EASY! Just so happen JoAnn's had their Vogue patterns on sale for $3.99 Saturday. So I was lucky enough to get the only, the last of this pattern they had in the drawer.

While I was there, I looked at fabric. The pattern calls for fabric with a 4-way stretch. I did not want to sequins or anything shinny so I looked at velvet. They had a few options of crushed velvet, that was very reasonable ($5.99-$9.99) that also happened to be 40% off. But I did not like the look of them. They had that cheezy "renaissance fair" look to them. After about 30 minutes wandering up and down the aisle, I rand across a beautiful stretch velvet. The bolt said $7.99 AND it was on sale. Perfect...almost too perfect right? Right! Got up to the cutting table with it and um yeah too perfect! It was about a yard and a half of stretch velvet that was on the wrong bolt. :-/ The fabric that I wanted was $16.99 and that was all they had of it in black. Well, at least I figured out what kind of fabric I wanted to make the dress out of, so it was not a complete fail. Oh and I got my pattern.

Later in the week I went to Hancock's to see what they had. I love the fabric at Hancock's, I always find what I'm looking for (plus a few of things I did not know I was looking for). LOL Not only did they have the stretch velvet I wanted it was $14.99 AND 50% off!!! I plan on lining it with tricot.

Love it when a plan comes together! I wanted to cut out the dress that night, but did not get a chance to. Which is probably a good thing. In the meantime, I thoroughly read the directions and I've been reading a few articles on sewing velvet.

Pattern Description:
Pull over top with different varations. I cut/sewed view A

Pattern Sizing:
I cut a size 18

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow?
I do not know, I misplaced the directions and had to pretty much wing it on my own. Was not sure how the neck facing should have been finished. I was concerned about it stretching out. so I basted it and finished it with a zig-zag stitch (I do not have a serger yet). Funny, the directions "showed up" when I was finished with it.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
No dislikes. It was very easy to sew. And unlike other reviewers I did not have a problem with the drape in the front being too low (even though it looks low in the dress form).

Edited to add: I wore the top to work today, and yes the front drape is a little low...it's more noticeable when you bend over.

Fabric Used:
Light weight poly printed fabric

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I used the sleeves from view C

Would you sew it again?
Yes. Probably view A again but with the sleeves from view D.

Would you recommend it to others?
Yes. It seems like there were mixed reviews on this top. Mostly just personal preferences. I say give it a try, it's an easy top to sew.

Conclusion:
Another great wardrobe piece for me! Top is shown with McCalls 3830

GOING GREEN

Hymn to a Good Wife

A good woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds. Her husband trusts her without reserve, and never has reason to regret it. Never spiteful, she treats him generously all her life long. She shops around for the best yarns and cottons, and enjoys knitting and sewing.

She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places and brings back exotic surprises. She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast for her family and organizing her day. She looks over a field and buys it, then, with money she's put aside, plants a garden. First thing in the morning, she dresses for work, rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started. She senses the worth of her work, is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.

She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth, diligent in homemaking. She's quick to assist anyone in need, reaches out to help the poor. She doesn't worry about her family when it snows; their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.

She makes her own clothing, and dresses in colorful linens and silks. Her husband is greatly respected when he deliberates with the city fathers. She designs gowns and sells them, brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops. Her clothes are well-made and elegant, and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.

When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say, and she always says it kindly. She keeps an eye on everyone in her household, and keeps them all busy and productive. Her children respect and bless her; her husband joins in with words of praise: "Many women have done wonderful things, but you've outclassed them all!"

Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades. The woman to be admired and praised is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-GOD. Give her everything she deserves! Festoon her life with praises!